Some of you may think that plastic is convenient to use, but is it convenient to kill the planet? As time goes by, more and more plastic is thrown into landfills, burned and thrown into the sea.
Plastic is what shapes our future.
I’m an animal person. I love the water. I love to swim. In some places, marine animals cannot live in their natural habitats because they have been taken over by waste and plastic.
Consider what happens when plastic is incinerated – the incineration releases pollutants such as microplastics. They seem to be everywhere: on land, in the air and in the sea. Microplastics are found in the water in water bottles. Think about our health.
I’ve started to make plastic a focus in my life, whether it’s using it less or reusing it instead. It may seem that I am too young to worry about this problem. I mean, I’m only 13! But the earth will soon be in the hands of my generation. I have to care about the environment now instead of waiting until I’m an adult. Older generations waited too long.
Instead of using plastic water bottles, I use reusable thermoses or, if I used a plastic water bottle, I can reuse it. Instead of using plastic grocery bags, bring old bags or reusable bags or use the paper bags. I use them when I make art. I cut them and use them for projects.
I also buy used.
While it may seem more convenient to buy things brand new, thrifting is a fun experience because you can find some unique clothes and you’re not buying new things that may have been shipped here from overseas in plastic bags. I like to buy thrift store T-shirts as well as pants and even hats (just wash them before wearing).
If you must buy brand new clothes, try to buy from eco-friendly brands. Look to see if it is made from recycled materials. How did it get here? What do people get paid?
One of my favorite musical artists, Billie Eilish, is environmentally friendly. The website for Billie Eilish store says “all trade clothing uses leftover dead stock from previous productions, organic or recycled polyester or cotton.” Her posters are made from 100% recycled paper.
That’s something I really appreciate. At least one person is trying to cut it. I want to follow in her footsteps.
Sophia Perez, an eighth grader in the Los Angeles Unified School District, loves thrifting, cutting back on plastic and, most of all, Billie Eilish.